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A MILKMAN who worked in Godalming for 19 years took his own life after losing his job due to tremors in his hands.

An inquest at Woking Coroner’s Court on December 20, heard that Andrew Everest, 48, was found dead in his room at supported accommodation in Busbridge Lane, Godalming, on May 14 2011.

Coroner Dr Richard Travis found Mr Everest died as a result of an overdose of painkillers.

He had 33.93 milligrams of the drugs per litre of blood. Six milligrams per litre of blood is deemed dangerous.

Mr Everest was born in Sevenoaks in Kent and grew up in Buckinghamshire. He developed tremors in his hands when he was 15. He had high hopes of becoming a vet but did not achieve the required A-level grades.

Mr Everest’s father, Christopher Everest, told the inquest that his son’s tremors did not affect his social skills or confidence, but he grew frustrated when he was unable to hold down work because of the condition.

After a trip round the world, Andrew had moved in with his parents in Godalming. He found work with Dairycrest as a milkman when he was 25, where he remained for 19 years.

He was eventually made redundant due to concerns that his tremors could pose a health and safety risk, despite Mr Everest’s observation that his son had never once dropped a milk bottle.

After the redundancy Andrew found it hard to find work again and started drinking heavily, to deaden his tremors. The inquest heard Mr Everest had battled with mental illness for some years.

He moved to the halfway home in Busbridge Lane, where it was hoped he could live more independently. The inquest heard he developed mood swings and suffered paranoia and anxiety about his dependence on state benefits.

His key worker at the Busbridge Lane site, Simon Bentley, told the inquest about a conversation he had with Andrew weeks before he died.

Andrew had returned from a trip to Dublin. Mr Bentley said: “He had been in good spirits but reported that in a pub in Godalming he had been ribbed about having a holiday on benefits. That really upset him.”

Andrew had spoken to Mr Bentley about assisted suicide at the Dignitas clinic in Switzerland. He also expressed interest in donating his brain for scientific research and had requested a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) form from his GP.

Mr Bentley told the inquest he did not suspect his client to be thinking about taking his own life imminently.

The subject was discussed in a light-hearted manner.

Police were called to the communal property in Busbridge Lane shortly after 10pm on May 14 2011, where they found Mr Everest on the floor, the inquest heard. There were empty medication boxes on the floor as well as an unfinished handwritten note.

Dr Travis said: “I do find beyond reasonable doubt that Andrew did take his own life. I find that he took his own life at a time when the balance of his mind was clearly disturbed.”

In the week before he died, Andrew’s mood was low and it was recommended he see his care co-ordinator. An appointment was made, but there was a wait of around three days.

Robbie Corrie, of Surrey Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “There should have been a more immediate appointment. Concerns had been raised about Mr Everest’s health and the appointment should have been brought forward.”

Speaking after the inquest, Mr Everest senior said: “It has taken such a long time to get to this stage; 19 months. Andrew was a very popular man.”